We read a lot of books aloud in our home (we’re currently reading John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress). My boys really enjoy coloring in Dover history coloring books as I’m reading. But I haven’t colored in… a long time.

I majored in art (after I dropped out of pre-med following a term volunteering in the hospital–it took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to be when I grow up). Anyway, I love art. I also love (love, love) journaling Scripture, and I’m a little compulsive about that.

My friend from Bethany House Publishers sent me Margaret Feinberg’s three new adult coloring books. They looked like fun for teens during read alouds. I’m not a huge fan of coloring myself, but I love to paint. As I was flipping through the books, it occurred to me that the paper is thick enough to handle paints. There’s also a ton of room for journaling.

This is a picture of Live Fearless. Isn’t it pretty?

I decided to pull out my glimmery (pearlescent) watercolors, my boys’ colored pencils, my Bible, and my favorite journaling pen, and set to work–just to see how I liked it.

I chose a verse from one of my very favorite passages: John 15:1-17. The verses throughout Margaret Feinberg’s “Live” books alternate between 9 different Bible versions.

I have to tell you, by the time I finished two shimmering pumpkins, I was pretty much hooked. This is fun.

I went through and painted the fruit first, and I used my colored pencils to fill in the verse. In John 15:16 in the ESV, Jesus says: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ”

How cool is that, friend? He chose you! And you’re to go and bear fruit. You’ve been appointed.

While I was painting, I listened to praise music, sang a little, and thought about Galatians 5:16-26 relates to John 15:1-17. I love both those passages.

After I finished my painting, I got out my Bible and copied out John 15:1-17 from the ESV. I think it’s really important to consider Scripture in context, and I’ve found that copying out whole passages allows me to do that well. I carry a notebook around with me just for that purpose. I also decided to write the fruit of the Spirit in the corner, as I was considering the passage from Galatians as well.

This is my final result. It was fun, and I really enjoyed myself. I was less stressed by the time I was done, too. (It’s been one of those weeks–I’m sure you have them!) I think I’m hooked. I’ll probably not do this in one sitting again (the whole thing took me about 3 hours), but it was a lot of fun to do, and I think I’ll make a regular habit of painting a small portion at a time, and maybe memorizing short sections of the passage I’m copying as I go. I’ll plan to take longer to work on a spread–it’ll give me something to look forward to.

I haven’t seen Jacqui Grace’s Images of Grace coloring book yet, but here are some images, courtesy of Bethany House. They’re really sweet, aren’t they?

The Coloring Books

I want to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with copies of Live Loved, Live Free, and Live Fearless. Bethany House also provided copies of all three of the “Live” coloring books, and a copy of Images of Grace for a giveaway (the giveaway is over now, but look for more in the future). (I’m throwing in the fun art supplies.) Take a look:

Live Loved by Margaret Feinberg (Bethany House Publishers, 2015), 48 pages Amazon: Live LovedLive Loved focuses on Scriptures that talk about God’s love for you, with great illustrations to color in and journaling pages on every spread.

Live Free by Margaret Feinberg (Bethany House Publishers, 2016), 48 pages Amazon: Live FreeLive Free focuses on Scriptures that talk about your identity in Christ, with beautiful coloring opportunities and journaling pages on every spread.

Live Fearless by Margaret Feinberg (Bethany House Publishers, 2016), 48 pages Amazon: Live FearlessLive Fearless focuses on Scriptures that talk about trusting God’s provision for you, with fun images to color and journaling pages on every spread.

The Tools

Half the fun of coloring and painting is the supplies, right? I’m going to point you to my favorites… and I’m including one of each in the giveaway, along with a copy of each of the books above.

Amazon: Artist’s Loft Pearlescent Watercolor Pan Set These are awesome. They’re student-grade watercolors, but they spread nicely and cover well if you want them to. But that’s not what I love about them. I love them because they’re lightly sparkly. I think you can see the glimmer best in the top picture of the pumpkins I painted. Honestly, the sparkle makes me happy, so I figured it would make you happy too.

Amazon: 12 Prismacolor Premier Verithin Colored Pencils Prismacolor Colored Pencils are excellent, and the Verithin have been developed specifically for use with adult coloring books. They have a hard core, rather than Prismacolor’s usual soft core, so the sharpened tip holds a point well.

Amazon: Uni-Ball 207 Medium Gel Pens These are my favorite pens to journal with. They write smoothly–they don’t smear or drag. I also really like the width of the tip. They’re perfect. I had no idea they come in assorted colors! I thought this 8-pack of pretty ink tones would be fun to use with the coloring books. (I now have pen-envy. I haven’t even sent these to the winner yet, and I’m wishing I could win! Ha!)

I have recently begun coloring again, as is the new trend, but I really like these coloring books because it includes Scripture and a place to journal all in one. What a great way to meditate on Scripture while creating a thing of beauty!!

I’ve always liked the idea of a pretty colorful journal but I’m not creative enough to draw pretty things myself. I LOVE to color, though, and this would be perfect. The example you showed turned out beautifully. Coloring is a stress relief, isn’t it?!

I love the thought of taking the time to myself to relax and color. I love the idea of turning it into quiet, reflective time with my Lord. I find that I don’t really take the time to do things that I enjoy anymore, and this has given me great inspiration. I love to paint and color and use those talents for worship. Why didn’t I think of this? Lol

What appeals to me most is that these books put Scripture into action. You can think about the verses while coloring them. These books can be used as devotional studies for myself and our boys. Learning by doing and through action is the easiest way for our children.

Wow! These coloring books really speak to the heart. I’ve got a really peaceful feeling of assurance and security just viewing this preview. I’d like to spend some quality time with these books, paints and pencils. Thank you for sharing.

What beautiful books! I’m just starting to get into coloring again as adult and would love to do this with my girls during our homeschool hours. What a great way to impart Truth to them as well. Thank you for the chance to win such an amazing gift!

I have started to do the adult coloring in thing recently. Have always been coloring in in the kids books. I would love to be blessed with this, because I am just as such a spiritual, mommy and everything low at the moment.

I’ve been trying to find a way to connect & build relationship with my 13 yo and 19 yo teen daughters. This just may be something they can do together this summer during college break to have something in common. Thanks for sharing!

I have been curious about trying out these adult coloring books! Thank you for sharing your favorite colored pencils and pens for writing. I am always trying to find just the right pen for journaling. 🙂

I have been trying to write out more scriptures and love the idea of also having a coloring page to add color and beauty to the already beautiful scriptures. This is a fantastic idea. Thank you for hosting this give away and sharing these with us.

I am very interested in journaling but I have very little artistic ability, I love that the work is done for me but I can still add an artistic flair by coloring or painting. I can also add some doodling on the opposite page as I write.

I’m recovering from a mild stroke and do a lot of coloring with my affected side to gain back some coordination. I love these- especially the “Live Loved” book, as I need constant reminders of His love for me just to get through… I think I would have to give one or two of these to ladies from my church who would also benefit from being in the Word more often, whether it’s in the Bible itself or coloring with Bible verses right there. Thanks for the opportunity!

I love the scriptures with each picture and the loving,positive messages they bring. The pictures are so beautiful and my daughter would love this,she enjoys the artistic element as well as journaling.

What appeals to me is that these are scripture based. What a great way to stay in his word & a beautiful way too! My daughters will sit down with me to color and talk for hours, making memories and loving our heavenly father!

What a wonderful this to have. This would be something I would treasure always. Coloring and the Word of God goes so well with each other. God colored the earth so beautifully so coloring the scriptures would remind ,me of that every day .

I’ve toyed with the notion of these coloring books for grownups for a while. I like the idea, and it’s nice to see how it could actually be used. I LOVE the idea of being able to journal WITH the coloring, as I am a fan of journaling myself. Thank you for the great article and giveaway! God bless

I first discovered the relaxing power of coloring as a young mom sitting at the table with my kiddo who just wanted me with him. There are so many benefits including simple togetherness. I personally appreciate the therapeutic value of adult coloring books but feel like it’s an exercise in futility. However, incorporate God’s Word and *voila!* you have a devotional!! Love it.

Someone gave me an adult coloring book for my birthday. A month later, I sat down and tried it out. I felt a little lazy for stealing the time, but it was so relaxing to sit and color with my two daughters. I had forgotten how fun it could be. These particular books look amazing, and I would love to use them while meditating on Scripture, either alone or with my kids. Thank you for the giveaway bundle! I’m sure I won’t win, but it’s fun to see these products and learn more about them. =)

What appeals to me most–other than the fact that it is Bethany House that published these–I attended Bethany College of Missions many years ago and spent a good part of my freshman year cleaning the offices for the the print shop! Through the years, if Bethany House is the publisher, one can pretty well count on it being sound and quality. The art supplies are a wonderful addition to the already great give away. Thank you for all you do.

I would love to win this set. My son is 16 and has ADHD. Coloring is a way we channel his impulsiveness. It’s also an activity that I can enjoy with him that most mothers of 16 year olds never get the chance to do. I love the bonding time that I might not have otherwise.

I love to just sit and color. It relaxes me and I feel better after. What Is great about this set is the idea of combining the calming of the mind with scripture and prayer. I would love to win this set that way I could sit down and show my grandchildren that it is possible to combine the study of the Bible and drawing and coloring. I have told them about it but have not been able to show them

I am in love with these! What a peaceful, pleasant, creative way to bring scripture to life and use for memorizing and learning. I wish I could afford it ALL! Ha ha. I’d share it with my artistic teens. Whomever the winner is will sure be blessed.

I love to color! I have printed many sheets off and I have my own colored pencils the kids aren’t allowed to use. Granted, they are only the crayola twistable ones, but they are still mine alone! Thanks for the giveaway!

I love all of these – it has been difficult to find faith-based designs that are not particularly country-ish – they are cute, but I want some that are more elegant and fancier. 😉 PLUS…the WATERCOLOR pencils! I want some so that I can change up my techniques a bit.

Ooo! I started coloring in January when my teen sons were hit by a car while crossing the street near our home. I colored my way through the PICU and 8 days in the hospital. When my guys were home again, I kept coloring. I try and take a few minutes each day to de stress and I LOVE Margaret Feinberg! Thank you for the chance to win this lovely gift pack.

My 13 & 19 year old daughters both love to color, but that is where their common interests end! Thanks for posting about these journals as I’m planning to encourage the girls to spend a little time together over college break. This could be just the thing they need to build some bonding time.

Oh wow! These coloring books are beautiful and I love that they have scriptures too! It’s been hard finding the time to recharge as we followed God’s call two and a half years ago to move 1700 mile from all that we had known. Then again, a few months ago, we moved 3 hrs even farther east. We haven’t connected with anyone yet that we could feel safe leaving our three young kids with, so we have to be very intentional and creative with finding down time. I love to watercolor so between the painting and scriptures these would definitely help recharge my spirit 😀

A great way to slow down and meditate on a Scripture – coloring, illustrating, and journaling! I’ve been blessed by reading Margaret Feinberg’s books, didn’t know she was involved in making these until now.

Doing something with my hands, especially coloring, is so therapeutic and this makes me realize the possibilities when we slow down as a family and have “therapy” in God’s Word together. Thank you for offering this.

I’ve colored in adult coloring books but never in Christian coloring books. I would love to give it a try, but there are no Christian coloring books around here. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone.

i love that they give you not only a creative outlet, but a spiritual one, that allows your mind to focus on thejpassages and to reflect on them as you complete the pictures. its amazing what our minds can do when we take time to truly relax

My husband taught me back in 1973 how relaxing coloring books were. Daughter bought us adult coloring books for Christmas. They are therapy for stress. These seem to be a gift for anyone who just needs to slow down and see all the Lord has done for us.

I’ve been so stressed lately as I struggle to be patient while healing after surgery in January. Winning would be a blessing to remind me to take some time to slow down and pause and create. Something I know recharges me. Thanks for the chance!

I have always loved coloring…long before it was cool to do so! 🙂 What is so amazing now is that I can look at a positive quote, inspiring Bible Verse, or words from a Hymn as I color. I’m really loving the new style of books that are available to those of us who have colored since childhood! 😊

What I like about the books is that they look like the picture style in each one is different. I could color a picture that would fit just about any mood! Plus, the thoughts and scripture seem to appeal to different moods too.

This is IT! I am working with a beautiful young teen, only 14, who recently lost her mama to cancer. Her mama was SO artistic. The young lady is a bit lost as she grieves this devastating loss. They homeschooled, and now I am trying to pick up where they left off. This set would surely help her feel close to her mama, and help her young grieving heart find some peace. Praying…

Wow! You definitely are an artist! Thank you for sharing your beautiful finished page with us and your handwriting is so beautiful, too! I received an adult Christmas coloring book for Christmas from my parents and have been eyeing some Scripture ones. Thank you for the chance to win!

Wow! This is one of my goals—but I’m not taking the time to do this! I have one of these books and would bless someone with that great book if I win! You have some amazing ideas and tools! May YOU be blessed 😉

This is amazing! As a homeschool mother of 3 (hopefully more to come!!) I have found that coloring while my kids are doing their school work helps keep the day rolling well. These look much nicer than the ninja turtle or cars coloring books I usualy break out! Haha

In July it will be a year since I had major back sugery. There is nerve damage beyond repair,the pain is unbearable most days. To go from working all my life to being told I will never work again, being a mom that never missed anything with my kids. At 40yrs old and to think my option is a pain pump already??? I started back in my faith a couple months ago, turning to my higher power but with pain I found it hard to CONCENTRATE on reading the scriptures and praying. A friend bought me a coloring book with prayers and told me to “just color” sounds simple, but I just laughed at her. I’m not laughing now. I love it! I found something that puts my mind at ease to be able to pray, meditate or just day dream without constantly being focused on the pain. All from beautiful books like these!

Angela, I’m so sorry you’re suffering. Life is hard, isn’t it? I know when I first got sick, I read Job–especially the last 4 chapters or so–over and over. And I read the verses in the Bible on suffering. But I love Romans 5:1-5 the best. I wonder if you could listen to an audio Bible?

I’m so glad you’ve found something to do that helps with the pain. God bless. Danika

These are absolutely lovely. My parents are going to be spending a lot of time at the hospital, as my dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV cancer that has metasticized. I would love for them to spend time coloring and praying through the Scriptures together as they wait for the Lord to call him home.

I love the fact that these coloring books are scripture based & that there is a page for you to journal about the scripture. I haven’t had the chance to buy any of these books yet but I’m going to. I really like coloring in these books. They help to keep me focused on what I’m doing instead of the pain I suffer from daily. I have chronic widespread pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, & degenerative disc disease. The pain is almost unbearable at times & keeps me in bed most of the time. These scripture books will help keep me focused more on the scripture, journaling about it, meditating in Gods word & prayer rather than on the pain. Thank you so much for the giveaway & the chance to win. God bless.

These are really beautiful. I would love these, but one would do it for me. If I win, can I send three of the books and the colored pencils (since I have a lovely set myself) to Brenda Paugh, the commenter before me? Her comment really touched me.

These are beautiful! I never have thought about adding coloring to my scripture studies. I love the idea of journaling about them, I’ve never done either. Thank you for the opportunity to win them and the encouragement to try them.

I’m glad that adult coloring book are popular right now, I like to color at the table with my three kids while they color and draw pictures. What appeals to me about these books is the scripture. Drawing, coloring, and writing scripture just makes it easier to memorize it.

I don’t take time for myself unless I’m at “the brink.” Deep in my journal is where I end up. I tend to doodle when I’m reflecting on something, but I’m not much of an artist. LOL This is a brilliant combination! Reflection, contemplation, journalling, through scripture.

Oh this giveaway is so great!!! I love these books. The hubby bought me one for Mother’s Day because I have been saying how much I wanted one and it has been such fun to sit with my girls while the 3 of us color. Relaxing and enjoyable! I would love to add these to my library along with the fantastic paints, brushes and color pencils!!!

The entire giveaway is full of lovely things but I’m a sucker for new pens & pencils. They seem to call my name from the aisles of office supply stores & beg to come home with me. 😉 I’d love to give these a new & loving home! Lol

I find coloring very relaxing and what appeals to me most is that as I use this as my relaxation time – I’m also getting His word and scripture – LOVE it! I can’t wait to try these. Thanks for hosting such a fun & great giveaway and for the chance to win! 🙂

Oh these are just beautiful and I love the scriptures! Although I’ve looked at the adult coloring books and even bought my daughter one, I’ve yet to try them. Thank you so much for such a wonderful giveaway! Blessings!

Welcome to Thinking Kids!

My name is Danika Cooley, and I’m glad you’re here. This site exists to help equip you to teach your kids the Bible and Christian history. I’m an author, a homeschool mom, and a curriculum developer. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.